Delhi High court grants bail to Sukesh Chandrashekhar in money laundering case

April 7, 2026

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar in a money laundering case linked to the AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” election symbol.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne granted him relief on a personal bond of ₹5 lakh and a surety bond of an equal amount. However, due to other pending cases, Sukesh will remain in jail for the time being.

Court Terms ‘Personal Liberty’ Paramount

Judge Gogne observed, “Liberty is the most cherished principle in our Constitution. The court cannot compromise with the State while upholding liberty in its rulings, regardless of whether the case involves special statutes or economic offenses.”

He further noted that while crimes such as money laundering are undoubtedly serious, it is not justifiable to curtail an accused person’s liberty solely on the basis of special laws like the PMLA.

Right to Bail Remains Intact Despite Multiple Cases

The court stated, “Despite the fact that 31 cases are registered against the accused, his right to bail in this specific matter is not extinguished—particularly given that he is already out on bail in 26 other cases and has spent a period in custody exceeding half of the maximum prescribed sentence.”

Protracted Trial Becomes Key Ground for Bail

The judge also highlighted that the trials for both the predicate offense (the primary crime) and the PMLA case have remained stalled for several years.

“In such a scenario, the accused has spent an excessive amount of time in jail during the pendency of the trial; to keep him in custody for such a prolonged period without a trial would constitute a violation of his rights,” the court observed.

Sukesh to Remain in Jail Due to Other Pending Cases

Notwithstanding the grant of bail in this particular case, Sukesh Chandrashekhar will not be released from jail at this juncture, as he continues to face other pending criminal proceedings.